I'm Sewing

Mom and dad are on their way home from Myrtle Beach. The ETA is 7-8pm. Thank goodness. There are many, many boxes in the back yard that I need dad to get rid of. Thanks in advance dad. :)

Mr. Canada Post brought in the last two boxes of madelinetosh today.

dk in fragrant and grenadine

merino light in steamer trunk

merino dk in cathedral

Kim and I compared our Color Play Mohair Wraps this morning. We are using the same colours in a different order. You could make four shawls with the same four colours and each would be unique. My shawl is packed in case there is time to knit on the weekend. Not likely but just in case.

I'm sewing!

One sleeve is in and the two side seams are started. It is going to be a long evening.

Mom and dad made it home safely. I have the yarn bowls in my garage and will be bringing them to work with me on Wednesday. No car yet. Hopefully it's here when I get home Tuesday night. Now I need to sew. I'll write from Columbus and promise lots of pictures.

Sleeves are done

The warm weather is here but it's never too early to start thinking fall. Or Christmas gifts. New yarns are going to start arriving very, very soon.

Malabrigo has a new yarn called Mecha. We should have this in the store sometime next week. I ordered this without seeing or touching the yarn but I'm confident that it will be great!

Mecha means single ply in Uruguayan Spanish. Pure Merino Superwash Wool. Aprox. 130 yards (120 m) per skein. 100 grams per skein Needles US 10-11, 6-8 mm Gauge 11 to 13 sts = 4 inches

$18 a skein

877 Queguay

875 Arapey

There should be eight colours in the shipment.

Here are a few pattern ideas from Ravelry
Twenty Eight
Casu Cowl

Mr. Canada Post left a box at the front door this morning with a package from Blue Sky Alpacas. There are new colours of Spud and Chloe Outer and Fine. These have been ordered and should be here at the end of June. Maybe sooner.

Mermaid

 Leapfrog

 Fairy Tale

Fairy Tale Hoodie

Every day is extraordinary when girls wear this modern-day take on Little Red
Riding Hood. This cozy hoodie with top-down construction is a quick knit in Spud
& Chloë Outer and features two big and buoyant pom poms.

Child sizes 2-12 years.
4-6 hanks of Outer.

 Black Pepper

Tickled Pink

Busy Baby Set

Once babies get going with new-found locomotion… they just don't stop! Knitting parents who are keeping up with babies on the move will appreciate this pullover and hat set with clean lines and straightforward construction. The raglan shaping includes buttons for easy on-and-off and bold stripes make for fun color combinations in Spud & Chloë Fine.

Sweater sizes 6-12 months to 3T
Hat sizes Newborn, 6-12 months and 1-3 years
2-3 hanks of Fine

It was about 3pm when I finished the second sleeve.

Now I'm back to the front. Beth is going to have dinner ready when I get home from work so I can knit all evening. It looks like I might make it. I hope I like it when it's done. :)

Made it Home

I've tried writing my post many times and keep erasing it. It's been a long day. 

Beth had a suggestion. Lessons from our flight home. #1 - Listen to the flight attendants when they are talking. There was a lady who talked very loud every time the attendants were giving instructions and then she totally went against everything they said. When they asked her not to do something (like move around while the plane was leaving the gate) she got quite irate. I think I would have had the plane taxi back to the airport and have them reopen the doors to throw her off the flight. #2 - From the same lady. Your dog might not want to fly. Her dog barked, cried and growled for 2 hours. Not nice on a flight.

There is a new terminal at the airport in Myrtle Beach. Lots of windows. Many charging stations for phones and computers. Very pleasant to fly from.

I did a bit of knitting on the flight home. Sleeve #2 is growing. No questions were asked about my needles at security. I started knitting the minute we were seated on the plane and no one blinked an eye. They even let me knit during take off and landing.

There should be lots of knitting over the weekend as I watch golf-the US Open. TV coverage starts at 9am tomorrow and Friday. I'm going to use the excuse that I must knit to get my cardigan done so I might as well watch while knitting. :)

Zen Yarn Garden

This is the pretty yarn that Zen Yarn Garden has dyed for us. Roxanne took pictures and sent them to me so that I can show you.

Actually, I really, really wanted to know what colours we are getting. :) These are all One of a Kinds. I ask Neville to dye me so many skeins and he picks the colours. I don't know what colours I am getting until they arrive.

I can already tell that I'm going to want to take some for myself. The colours look great!

We are getting Serenity 20 and Serenity Silk Singles. Perfect for socks, scarves, shawls, fingerless gloves...

Lynda sent an email yesterday that she has finished two projects. I need to find something else for her to knit. I'm looking at a new pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple-Top Down Drape Front Cardi.

A soft drapey cardigan knit with dk weight yarn at a gauge of 20 sts to 4 inches. The cardigan can look as dressy or as casual as the knitter wants, depending on the yarn used. Sizes x-small through xx-large.

I've read over the pattern and it looks very straight forward. Only one page which is a good thing. A really hard pattern needs at least three pages. :)

For the yarn I'm thinking Noro Ayatori. 60% wool. 40% silk. Now to choose the colour.

I totally forgot about poor Sarah Jane.

She was in the box from Offhand Designs and I was so excited about the other bags that I didn't mention her.

She is a Scottie.

Luxurious fabrics highlight the old-world charm of a roomy framed satchel with a plethora of pockets and pouches that offer plenty of organization and while a removable shoulder strap lends carrying versatility. 

My Summerspun cardigan is growing. Enough for more pictures. I did the cast offs for the armhole last night.

When it's the hottest day of the year so far you should be dragging a mannequin outside for pictures. :) I thought it would show the front the best.

And finally a good picture of the back.

I've knit a few more rows on my Color Play Mohair Wrap. If you are knitting one then I think you will agree that it could be the most addictive knitting you have ever done. You can't put it down. Just one more row to see how the next colour is going to play out.

It's so addictive that you are choosing colours for the next one before you have finished the one you are working on.

When we moved around all the yarn many of the price tags got damaged so today Kim and I made price tags for the whole store. That chore is done and I'm going to knit a few rows before heading home.

Do I or Don't I??

It's one of those days where I'm debating if I should write a blog post because there isn't much to say or show.

It has been a long day, very long day. I left the house at 9:30 and didn't get in until 8:30. Lots of errands during the day. It feels like I didn't do anything but I'm pretty tired now. There was a small bit of time for myself when I had a pedicure. My feet thanked me.

The pattern section is done on the first front of the Summerspun cardigan. This is very exciting because the neck shaping is starting. The rows are going to get shorter and in about 25 rows the armhole shaping starts. I'm starting to think that the cardigan will be done in time.

I ordered a few more yarn bowls on Friday. Mom and dad are going to be in Myrtle Beach for a week in June and will bring them home for me.

It's time to put my feet up. I think it will be the Color Play Mohair Wrap tonight. Keeping track of rows might be too much.

Spirit

What happened to the weather? It got really cold and dark in Ancaster late this afternoon. I miss the sun.

Before the sun went down I took some pictures of my Summerspun cardigan. This is the back. I have until June 21 to get the whole thing done. This is my excuse as to why I'm going to stop working very soon and get to my knitting.

I have about 30 rows to go before I start the armhole shaping. YAY! The rows will start getting shorter.

If you don't know the pattern I am making it is called Lady Irmelin-purchased on Ravelry.

The yarn is Rowan Summerspun.

Sorry, no new pictures of Arya yet. I'm waiting until they go live on the Offhand Designs website. My blog post is already started so once I get the go ahead there will be lots of pictures. A box with 6 bags has left California - fingers crossed some time next week they will be in the store.

Kim Hargreaves newest book should be arriving mid-June.

Simply chic. This season less is most definitely more. White worn in clean classic lines provides understated cool, whilst black offers a graphic contrast. The key is to stay sharp yet sophisticated, get in the spirit!

Bright

Knit this classic cardigan worked in moss stitch stripes from Spirit. A design by Kim Hargreaves using Handknit Cotton, a wonderful soft dry handle yarn (cotton), this knitting pattern is suitable for the knitter with a little experience.

White

Knit this classical jacket in double moss stitch from Spirit. A design by Kim Hargreaves using the stunning yarn, All Seasons Chunky (cotton and acrylic), this knitting pattern is suitable for the knitter with a little experience.

Peek

Knit this close fitting sweater in an openwork stitch from Spirit. A design by Kim Hargreaves using Siena 4 ply, a beautiful fine mercerised yarn (cotton), this knitting pattern is suitable for the knitter with a little experience. 

Poise

Knit this fitted sweater in close fitting rib and cable from Spirit. A design by Kim Hargreaves using Siena 4 ply, a beautiful fine mercerised yarn (cotton), this knitting pattern is suitable for the experienced knitter. 

Take a look at my Facebook page. Yummies coming from Soak and Lorna's Laces. Socks this time. I'm going to get them on order tomorrow. The yarn is hand dyed so I want to make sure that I'm in on the first batch.

Soak

A week ago I sent an email to Namaste and asked if they were going to have anything new at TNNA. They told me a little secret that I couldn't share but there are pictures on the Namaste Facebook page now so I'm going to spill.

Oh Snap! pouches in pretty new colours.

A divinely simple way to keep your stuff in its right place- the Oh Snap! pouches come in a set of 3 to bring the Zen back to your life (and your handbag). Whether you're a tidy two-shoes or a messy marvin, Oh Snap! keeps it all together for you. Customized Namaste snaps, carefully crafted mesh pouches, it's effortless organization- Oh Snap! 

Beth finished a hat on Friday night which meant more blocking. There has been a lot of that happening in my house lately. So much that I finished off my bottle of Yuzu. I have written about blocking before but in case you missed it here it is again.

Soak is modern care for fine fibers. This rinse-free formulation is perfect for washing your laciest lingerie, your softest sweaters, swimwear, workout gear, hand-made quilts and even baby clothes. Soak is gentle and deliciously scented with fabric-friendly ingredients that revitalize fibers so they look great and last longer.  

Full of tart citrus + crushed eucalyptus, you're sure to love Yuzu-the newest scent.

I start filling the sink (or bathtub for a large project) with cold water and add some Soak - one squirt which is roughly a tablespoon. I put in my shawl, cowl, sweater... and let it soak for 15 minutes. Then I take it out and roll it in a towel to get out the excess water. You don't rinse out the Soak. Then I lay my project out to dry. If the project is a lace scarf or shawl then I stretch it out to the required dimensions and pin or use my blocking wires. If you have finished a garment that is a bit too small you can add width or length when you lay it out.

It's really easy and doesn't take much time. You will notice a difference in your finished project because the stitches will lay flatter and more even. And there is a nice scent if you choose. Soak is available in Scentless for those who have an aversion to scents.

Soak is great for your lingerie and swim wear as well. We all know that these garments are not cheap and we want them to last as long as possible. Soak helps with that.

If you aren't near us to buy Soak, you can find a list of retailers here. If you haven't tried Soak I would suggest getting a small bottle and I'm fairly sure you will come back and tell me that you like it.

My Summerspun cardigan is growing. The back is about 1/3 of the way done.

One front is at this length as well. There should be lots of knitting this afternoon. Unless a nap gets in the way. 

A Day of Rowan

About 6 weeks ago I started a cardigan in Rowan Summerspun. It has been on the back burner because I had projects to get finished for the Frolic. Those are done and now I need to get back to this so that I can wear it at the end of June. TNNA (the trade show where I buy yarn and knitting 'stuff' for the store) is in Columbus and we are going. I mentioned TNNA the other day. That is San Diego in January. There are two shows a year-in case you were confused. I like to wear something that I have knit for the show.

Pattern: Lady Irmelin (pattern bought on Ravelry)

I've done about 20 rows of one front today.

Summerspun is a beautiful yarn in a 50% Merino Wool and 50% Cotton blend. The yarn is made by twisting a printed cotton end and a melange wool end together, resulting in a wonderful subtle striping effect.

So far I'm not getting a striping effect but I do like how the colours are coming out.

Taken this morning out back of the house in the sun.
After an bit of knitting I took it out front in the shade. It's amazing how different the colours look.

If you are making the wrap (or thinking of it) I made on small adjustment to the pattern. There are 4 colours used and you start with one strand of A and one of B. You do this for 9" and then do 9" of B+B. Then work with B+C until you run out of B. This was longer than 9" for me. Closer to 11". I decided to keep going past 9" because I don't like having left over yarn. And a wrap can't be too long. Then I worked C+C for 9" and now I'm on C+D. I will work until out of C. This could be longer or shorter than 9". Then D+D will be 9". D+A will go until D runs out. Then A+A will go until A runs out. Long story short-I'm not sticking to the 9" if I have more yarn.

What a beautiful day. I really wish we had a TV outside. NHL. Blue Jays. Nascar. It's been a busy afternoon. I also need a TV converter that I can talk to so that I don't need to take my hands off the needles.

There are three more hockey games this afternoon and this evening plus a baseball game tonight. And the Amazing Race finale. I'm not going to say who I want to win for fear of jinxing them. I'm figuring another 7-8 hours of knitting today. How much can I get done??

We're Here

It was about 10 last night when I decided what I was going to knit with the Summerspun.

Lady Irmelin-a pattern I bought on Ravelry.

There wasn't time to cast on so I put 24 stitches on my needles and did 4 rows of stocking stitch. Beth asked if I was swatching. No. If you go through airport security with nothing on your needles they are more likely to take them.

Beth and I flew out of Niagara Falls, NY at 1:15 today. You never know how the border is going to be so we left at 10. The border wasn't bad but there wasn't enough time to go to the outlet mall. Unfortunately there wasn't wifi in the airport or I could have blogged-I had lots of time. Instead I cast on for the left front. I got a bit done on the flight but am part way through the row so I will get a picture tomorrow.

Nancy (one of our friends who also does our lawn) picked us up at the airport. She visited for about an hour and as she was leaving Tina (another friend who looks after cleaning our house) stopped by. We finally got in the truck to head out for dinner when we saw Carl (one of my parent's neighbours) coming out of his house so we stopped to say hi. It was almost 3 hours from getting to our house until we got to the restaurant. Then stops at Martins (a huge golf store-of course I have a new pair of golf shoes that are so cute), World Market (a store where we got our dining room table) so that we could get another chair for the dining room, Pier 1, gas and then Chick-fil-A for milkshakes on the way home. We made a quick stop at my parent's house to make sure all was good there and then home. It's time to put our feet up and rest. It's been a long day. We taped Fashion Star before heading out so we're going to watch and get some knitting done. There is a long list of chores for tomorrow but those will be scrapped if it is nice weather. :)

One More Sleep

I'm in the store getting ready to go away. I like to have things in order before I go so that Cathy can find things. There are the last few price signs to make (Kim moved all the sock yarn around yesterday) and then I'm set.

Now I need to figure out my knitting. We are flying Spirit and you have to pay for carry on luggage. I will only have my purse (which will be a big one) so I can't fit my linen stitch scarf in it for knitting at the airport and on the plane. What to do?? You got it-start something new. I have had my eye on some Noro Ayatori so I'm going to start a summer top. The linen stitch scarf will be in my suitcase.

The pattern is from Sirdar. You don't need anything fancy with Noro yarns.

Some of you are asking why I don't take Eos (the white cotton sweater). The back is done so I would be starting on the front. Many years ago I had a small problem taking the front of a sweater on a trip while the back was at home. They ended up different lengths. Now I must have all pieces with me when I am knitting a sweater. It will take up too much room for a weekend trip so it can't come.

Here is the weather forecast for the weekend. It's not looking good. But at least it isn't -7C like it was this morning when I came to work.

My sewing machine is fixed. Mom to the rescue. Who knew? I'm not being mean but my mom usually isn't the best person for fixing things. Normally Beth and I are fixing things (iPad, computer, phone......) for her. She came over with her little sewing machine tool kit and in two minutes it was working. I have her extra sewing machine as well so now there is no reason not to sew. Thanks mom!!

It's later in the day and I have cast on one sleeve for my cardigan. The first row of ribbing is done after a false start. I had to rip part of the row out because I can't count to 3. It's done and then I turned my head to the right. There is a colour of Rowan Summerspun on the shelf that might be perfect. Perfect for the cardigan but also a new pair of shoes that I'm knitting something to go with.

Colour 125
Nottinghill

Summerspun is a beautiful yarn in a 50% Merino Wool and 50% Cotton blend. The yarn is made by twisting a printed cotton end and a melange wool end together, resulting in a wonderful subtle striping effect. Summerspun is a joy to knit and crochet.

Beth agreed with me that the Summerspun is a great colour. I'm casting on again. It's a good thing that I've had lots of practice lately.

For the past half an hour I have been sending out emails. Madelinetosh has 31 (no you didn't read that wrong), thirty one boxes of yarn ready for us. It should be leaving Texas early next week and we should have it in the store the following week. I'm happy that we have lots of yarn coming but where are we going to put it????

• merino
• merino light
• vintage
• dk
• chunky
• merino dk
• lace
• prairie
• pashmina worsted

And there is still one invoice for me to see. Who knows what other yarns might be in the boxes.

It's casting on time!!!